Victor Osimhen reveals plans to earn university degree after football career

Victor Osimhen reveals plans to earn university degree after football career

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he plans to return to school to earn a university degree after retiring from professional football, saying education remains a lifelong ambition despite his remarkable success on the pitch.

The Nigerian international made the disclosure in an interview that recently resurfaced online after it was first shared by Instablog. During the conversation, Osimhen reflected on his journey from a difficult childhood to becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, while emphasizing the importance of preparing for life after football.

The 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year said that although football has transformed his life, he understands that a player’s career is temporary, making education an important investment for the future.

“As an adult, I don’t have everything I learned in school. There are some kinds of life lessons you encounter through life’s journey,” Osimhen said.

He explained that returning to school has remained one of his personal goals, noting that he wants to obtain a university degree after hanging up his boots.

“So for me, it will be an amazing thing to also try to get a degree, which I’m still considering because football is not something you will play for so long, probably 20 or 25 years, and then you’re done,” he added.

According to Osimhen, one of his biggest motivations is to inspire young people who were forced to suspend their education because of financial hardship, family circumstances or other challenges.

He said his decision would demonstrate that dropping out of school does not mean the end of one’s academic journey.

READ ALSO:

• Heavy rains, flash floods kill 51 as over one million affected in Bangladesh
• Bangkok bar fire kills at least 27, leaves 25 critically injured
• UK reaffirms visa requirement for Nigerians, citizens of 32 other African countries

“For me, it’s to set a standard and an example to the younger generation that even though you dropped out due to some kind of challenges, you can always go back to school because school is always there,” the striker said.

Osimhen’s comments have resonated with many Nigerians, especially considering his inspiring rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s most sought-after forwards.

Born in Edo State, Osimhen first gained global recognition after emerging as the highest goalscorer at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he scored 10 goals to help Nigeria lift the title.

His performances earned him a move to German club VfL Wolfsburg, but injuries and limited playing opportunities slowed his progress during his early years in Europe.

A successful loan spell at Belgian club Sporting Charleroi revived his career before he secured a permanent move to French side Lille, where his impressive performances attracted interest from several top European clubs.

In 2020, Osimhen completed a record transfer to Italian giants Napoli, where he cemented his place among Europe’s elite strikers.

During the 2022/23 Serie A season, he won the Serie A Golden Boot after finishing as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals and played a key role in helping Napoli win their first Italian league title in 33 years.

His outstanding performances also earned him the prestigious CAF African Footballer of the Year award in 2023, making him the first Nigerian to win the honour in more than two decades.

Osimhen has since continued his career with Galatasaray, where he remains one of the Turkish club’s key attacking players while maintaining his reputation as one of Africa’s finest footballers.

Away from football, the Super Eagles vice-captain has consistently advocated for education and youth empowerment.

In February 2026, he visited Beyond Limits Football Academy in Ikenne, Ogun State, where he donated ₦10 million to support the academy’s development.

During the visit, he urged young footballers to prioritise education alongside sports, stressing that talent alone cannot guarantee lifelong success.

He reminded aspiring athletes that football careers are relatively short and encouraged them to acquire academic qualifications and practical skills that would prepare them for life after retirement.

Education advocates and football stakeholders have praised Osimhen’s latest remarks, describing them as an important message to young Nigerians that success in sports should complement—not replace—education.

His comments also reinforce the growing campaign among professional athletes encouraging young people to balance their sporting ambitions with academic pursuits and long-term personal development.

Victor Osimhen reveals plans to earn university degree after football career